. >>> an emotional plea from former congresswoman gabrielle giffords. >> violence is a big problem. too many children are dying. too many children. >> she appeared before the senate judiciary committee which is holding the first hearings on gun control since the connecticut school massacre. congress is look at everything from universal background checks to a new assault weapons ban. after today's hearings, giffords and her husband met with the president at the white house. >>> in newtown, connecticut, tonight, hundreds of people packed a public hearing on gun control. >> jesse was 6 years old. >> reporter: scarlet lewis brought a photograph of her 6-year-old son, jesse. he was among those killed. >> together we can turn this tragedy into the event that turned the tie. >> reporter: the bipartisan panel is considering policy changes following the december 14th massacre. many spoke in favor of new gun law, a few against. >> the lawless do not observe gun controls restrictions or regulations. and this leaves good and lawful citizens at an unjust disadvantage against the lawless. >> repo